And while on this subject, I will show you where the existing forms of Christianity depart from the teachings of Christ:  first, in lack of self abnegation,—­secondly, in lack of Unity,—­thirdly, in failing to prove to the multitude that Death is is not destruction, but simply change.  Nothing really dies; and the priests should make use of Science to illustrate this fact to the people.  Each of these virtues has its Miracle Effect:  Unity is strength; Self abnegation attracts the Divine Influences, and Death, viewed as a glorious transformation, which it is, inspires the soul with a sense of larger life.  Sects are UNChristian,—­there should he only one vast, united Church for all the Christian world—­a Church, whose pure doctrines should include all the hints received from Nature and the scientific working of the Universe,—­the marvels of the stars and the planetary systems,—­the wonders of plants and minerals,—­the magic of light and color and music; and the true miracles of Spirit and Matter should be inquired into reverently, prayerfully, and always with the deepest humility;—­while the first act of worship performed every holy Morn and Eve should be Gratitude!  Gratitude—­gratitude!  Ay, even for a sorrow we should be thankful,—­it may conceal a blessing we wot not of!  For sight, for sense, for touch, for the natural beauty of this present world,—­for the smile on a face we love—­for the dignity and responsibility of our lives, and the immortality with which we are endowed,—­Oh my friend! would that every breath we drew could in some way express to the All Loving Creator our adoring recognition of His countless benefits!”

Carried away by his inward fervor, his eyes flashed with extraordinary brilliancy,—­his countenance was grand, inspired, and beautiful, and Alwyn gazed at him in wondering, fascinated silence.  Here was a man who had indeed made the best of his manhood!—­what a life was his! how satisfying and serene!  Master of himself, he was, as it were, master of the world,—­all Nature ministered to him, and the pageant of passing history was as a mere brilliant picture painted for his instruction,—­a picture on which he, looking, learned all that it was needful for him to know.  And concerning this mystic Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, what treasures of wisdom they must have secreted in their chronicles through so many thousands of years!  What a privilege it would be to explore such world-forgotten tracks of time!  Yielding to a sudden impulse, Alwyn spoke his thought aloud: 

“Heliobas,” he said, “tell me, could not I, too, become a member of your Fraternity?”

Heliobas smiled kindly.  “You could, assuredly”—­he replied—­“if you chose to submit to fifteen years’ severe trial and study.  But I think a different sphere of duty is designed for you.  Wait and see!  The rules of our Order forbid the disclosure of knowledge attained, save through the medium of others not connected with us; and we may not write out our discoveries for open publication.  Such a vow would be the death-blow to your poetical labors,—­and the command your Angel gave you points distinctly to a life lived in the world of men,—­not out of it.”